It takes creativity to keep a business going in tough times – hauliers know this more than most, yet the transport industry is ranked second from bottom in a list of sectors prepared to invest in people’s imagination.
The report found the industry had an average creative headcount of just 0.22%.
The research analysed data from professional network LinkedIn to gauge the number of ‘design’ roles across UK firms in traditionally less creative industries compared to their overall headcount, to calculate which sectors placed the highest value on creativity.
Out of 20 sectors analysed, warehousing and distribution was found to have the lowest headcount of creatives in their workforce, just below transport.
The report, by communications industry Warbox, said this could be attributed to the industry having a greater need for functional labour roles.
But it added that this was not to say the industry could not benefit from a greater investment in creative roles to combat challenges that an ever-changing economy presented.
At the other end of the table, healthcare came top, with 17.87%, followed by building and construction with 12.29% and then perhaps unsurprisingly homeware and interiors (11.12%).
Manufacturing was fifth, with 8.15% and accounting – sometimes mocked for harbouring creative types with questionable ethics – came ninth.
“Creativity fosters innovation, enabling businesses to adapt to evolving market demands and remain competitive which is key when it comes to running a successful business,” said Mark Fensom, director at Warbox.
“Even those industries with a perceived lack of need for creative roles, such as the warehousing and distribution industry, could benefit from hiring creative talent - it’s important for businesses to realise that creativity can unlock fresh perspectives and offer unique solutions to business challenges.”
